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I have received combined androgen blockade for PSA only recurrencepost laparoscopic prostatectomy and subsequent radiation therapyfor early recurrence of a tumor with rapid doubling time. PSA fell quickly and remained less than 0.1 for 15 months. I have now chosen to go on intermittent therapy: however testosterone levels have not risen after the long period of supression. Since we are trying to get the levels to increase in order to diminish side effects, would one consider use of testosterone patches with close PSA monitoring should levels not increase.

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3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Use of testosterone patches if testosterone levels remain low after blockadeI have received combined androgen blockade for PSA only recurrencepost laparoscopic prostatectomy and subsequent radiation therapyfor early recurrence of a tumor with rapid doubling time. PSA fell quickly and remained less than 0.1 for 15 months. I have now chosen to go on intermittent therapy: however testosterone levels have not risen after the long period of supression. Since we are trying to get the levels to increase in order to diminish side effects, would one consider use of testosterone patches with close PSA monitoring should levels not increase.

Hi Cagey, _ I think that I can safely say that MOST, if not all, mainstream PCa experts would NOT support the use of Testosterone supplementation in a PCa patient that is on intermittent HT. Especially following both surgical and radiological failure.

You most likely have systemic disease and, if so, such action would be judged to be a counter-active, detrimental measure in attempts to CONTROL the ever present disease in such systemic cases, which are treated as a chronic disease.

However, I am a layman, NOT a physician and you may wish to consult a Medical Oncologist, if you are not already under ones care. Good luck! - John@newPCa.org -

You most likely have systemic disease and, if so, such action would be judged to be a counter-active, detrimental measure in attempts to CONTROL the ever present disease in such systemic cases, which are treated as a chronic disease.

However, I am a layman, NOT a physician and you may wish to consult a Medical Oncologist, if you are not already under ones care. Good luck! - John@newPCa.org -

John,Thanks for your input. Intermittent therapy allows the testosterone to increase naturally as the blockade is removed.Since the time to increase is variable and may be delayed, it does not seem unreasonable to provide external testo if it does not increase. As with all interventions, the testo and PSA levels would be monitored and blockade would be reinitiated at a predetermined level. kg

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Report This| Share this:Use of testosterone patches if testosterone levels remain low after blockadeJohn,Thanks for your input. Intermittent therapy allows the testosterone to increase naturally as the blockade is removed.Since the time to increase is variable and may be delayed, it does not seem unreasonable to provide external testo if it does not increase. As with all interventions, the testo and PSA levels would be monitored and blockade would be reinitiated at a predetermined level. kg

Hi Cagey, - I fully understand how IHT works but the natural return of testosterone is entirely different than return by supplementation. Sorry I couldn't, in good conscience, provide the support you were obviously seeking, for a decision you already favored.

I stand by my statement as to what I believe the majority of experts would tend to suggest but, regardless, the decision is properly yours, since you are the patient. Good luck! - John@newPCa.org (aka) az4peaks

I stand by my statement as to what I believe the majority of experts would tend to suggest but, regardless, the decision is properly yours, since you are the patient. Good luck! - John@newPCa.org (aka) az4peaks

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